Delhi govt to offer Rs 10 Crore collateral-free loans to women SHGs

The Delhi government announced collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 crore for women-led startups and self-help groups. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship, indigenous products, financial independence, and stronger market access for women across the capital

New Delhi: Delhi government will provide collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 crore to women-led start ups and self help groups in the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday. The government will also provide platforms in malls and large shopping complexes across the city to help indigenous products made by women self-help groups (SHGs) reach a wider market.

“We are working on a wider scale to make the women of the capital self-reliant, entrepreneurial, and economically empowered. Arrangements have been made for providing collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 crore to women self-help groups and startups,” Gupta said in a statement.

---

She said the Delhi government itself would act as guarantor for such loans extended to women start ups and SHGs. Addressing the inauguration of a two-day ‘Mega Self Help Group (SHG) Mela-2026’ organised in Rohini on Saturday, Gupta said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently promoted the vision of ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, and ‘One District, One Product’. She said the SHG Mela was an effort to promote indigenous products prepared by women and connect them with the wider market.

Around 24 self-help groups participated in fair, where handicrafts, crochet work, khadi, household products, food items, and other handmade products were exhibited and sold. Handicrafts under ‘One District, One Product’ initiative of North-West Delhi district were also showcased. Gupta said that people often preferred foreign brands despite Indian handicrafts, khadi, household products, and handmade items being comparable in quality. “The only requirement is better branding and marketing of these products,” she said. She appealed to people to use more local and indigenous products instead of foreign goods.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel, use public transport, and adopt indigenous products, Gupta said the Delhi government was also promoting campaigns such as ‘Monday metro’ and ‘No Vehicle Day’. “If people make small changes in their daily routine, it will directly benefit the country,” she said.